Akaylar expands fleet with its largest vessel

Turkish shipping company Akaylar has welcomed the Handysize vessel Akaylar Ali Uraz, formerly known as IVS Kestrel, into its fleet, marking an expansion of its dry cargo carrying capacity.

Built in 2014 at Kanda Shipbuilding in Japan, the vessel has a deadweight capacity of 32,768 tonnes and features an open-hatch, box-shaped cargo hold configuration. According to the company’s announcement, Akaylar Ali Uraz is now the largest vessel in its fleet.

The addition represents a significant increase in vessel size compared with the company’s existing tonnage. Akaylar’s fleet includes smaller multipurpose and general cargo vessels, with the previously listed Emine Akay having a capacity of 16,233 dwt.

Established in Istanbul in 1968, Akaylar operates in shipowning, ship management and chartering, with activities focused on dry cargo transportation. Its vessels serve a range of cargo markets, including steel products, minerals, fertilisers and agricultural commodities, across the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Europe and other trading regions.

The company described the latest fleet addition as another step in its continued development. However, the announcement did not disclose the acquisition price, transaction structure or further commercial arrangements relating to the vessel.